It is becoming that notice should be taken in the pages of our Magazine of the removal by death of this humble servant of the Lord. The late Mr. Angus Finlayson was not a man who desired publicity in this way. He was, over a period of many years, a sincere and earnest member of the spiritual body of Christ, manifesting this in his life and conversation. There is little which can be recorded concerning his spiritual experience, as he was not in the habit of saying much about himself. He was born at Lonbain, in the parish of Applecross, in 1874, and was thus in his 80th year at the time of his entering into his eternal rest. In his early days he was, by occupation, a fisherman, but later on entered the service of the Highland Railway at Inverness, in the telegraphic and signalling department, and became a linesman. He was removed to Dingwall in 1922 to attend to the section of the railway in his own special work, from Dingwall to Kyle of Lochalsh. He was thus for over 30 years in Dingwall. It was here that he first came forward for admission to full membership, and members of Session were much pleased at his taking such a step. He became most helpful at prayer meetings, and at Fellowship Meetings it could be seen that he spoke out of the abundance of his heart. His trumpet gave no uncertain sound.
He was ordained to the office of the eldership in 1947, and was a most useful member of Session. He was, in his own way, a pillar in the house of God, and adorned the doctrine of his Lord and Saviour by gracious humility and Christian simplicity. During the closing years of his life he became increasingly frail, and for over half a year was confined to bed before the close of his life. It was a privilege to have him engaging in prayer at family worship, when it was conducted at his bedside. He manifested a spirit of holy tranquility and loving resignation to the will of the Lord. We may note here that Psalm 116 was, in a special way, made evidently precious to him by the Holy Spirit. The oil of that Psalm made his face to shine, and the bread contained in it strengthened his heart. His partner in life, like minded with him in the faith, had the sore trial of being near him, and yet was laid aside and required to be nursed as he himself needed. They were both tenderly nursed by their two daughters, by the youngest—Mrs. Alexander MacRae, Evanton, and Mrs. J. S. Fraser—and by Mrs. Fraser, who for many months was home from Rhodesia, with Rev. J. S. Fraser, and their two children. They returned to Rhodesia in November, and Mr. Finlayson did not pass away until the end of February, 1954. By 3 a.m. on Saturday, the 27th February, he departed this life to join the spirits of the just made perfect. We as a congregation feel and mourn his loss from our midst. We desire to sympathise with his widow in her sore bereavement, and with all the members of the family. His remains were laid to rest in the Fodderty Cemetery—not far from the grave of his brother-elder, the late Mr. Samuel Fraser. “Every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterwards they that are Christ’s at his coming.”—D. A. MacF.